Pedal drilling

[asatbluesboy]

I just want to share my joy with the world: last night I used a recently-bought stepped bit to drill an enclosure, and oh, boy, how my life changed. I won't say the brand I'm using or the store I got it from. I'm just saying: get one of those. It's not only a time saver, but actually makes drilling a more pleasurable experience - I have a scar on my right pulse from the bit-changing days.

Cheers!
-Gustavo

[jacobyjd]

I've used a stepped bit to drill enclosures in the past (not for pedals, but same idea), and they work great w/ a drill press...I've never used them w/ a hand drill before, but I'd figure it would be similar.

On a similar note, I read a suggestion to try a wood boring bit (like this: http://www.toolstation.com/images/library/stock/webbig/44945.jpg), and I found the results to be excellent. I used a 1/2" one to drill fro a 3pdt stomp switch, and it worked like a charm.

...only on aluminum though

[cpnyc23]

Yep - that was one of my best purchases as well.  I highly recommend cleaning it well after each use.

-chris

[morpha2]

Yep - that was one of my best purchases as well.  I highly recommend cleaning it well after each use.

-chris

What's a good method?

[asatbluesboy]

I've used a stepped bit to drill enclosures in the past (not for pedals, but same idea), and they work great w/ a drill press...I've never used them w/ a hand drill before, but I'd figure it would be similar.

I only have a hand drill, and it works like a charm. You've just gotta train a little so you can feel the steps. Punch-marking is a must, though. Any nail should do.

[ayayay!]

A good method to clean it is to spray a tiny bit of WD-40 on it and rub it with steel wool.  Don't rub hard though, some of those markers might disappear.  Or, WD-40, let it soak for a minute or two, then blow it off with a compressor. 

Then spray it again when done (lightly) or apply a little 3-in-1 oil to it so the bit has a nice coat to prevent corrosion, and it helps the next time you cut too.